Title: Marriage with a Divorced Woman Question: I would like to have a question answered relating to the concept of adultery. I have a lady friend who is about to leave her husband. Is it a sin to get involved with her before her divorce is officiated? How does Qur'an view this? Your reply to this would be cordially appreciated. She is an atheist and she is in the process of divorcing but not for me in particular, as she will want to go into another relationship once she gets off the old relationship. Answer: Obviously the woman, being an atheist, is not likely to observe the Shari`ah , which has given specific directives regarding the procedure of divorce, especially the waiting period for a woman after divorce. Under these circumstances, I would suggest that no relationship be entered into till the time that divorce is legally officiated. Moreover, because one of the main reasons for prescribing the waiting period for a divorced woman is to ascertain whether or not the woman is bearing a child in her womb, therefore, it would also be recommended to make sure about the pregnancy or otherwise of the woman. This is important to keep the parenthood of the child absolutely clear of any doubts. 21 st October 1999